“PREPPED: Plastic Surgery Research, Education, and Preparation Promoting Equity and Diversity”

Reghunathan, Meera; Blum, Jessica D.; Davis, Greta; Ayyala, Haripriya S.; Leis, Amber; Butler, Paris D.; Gosman, Amanda

doi:10.1097/prs.0000000000010278

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Organizations like the Arthur L. Garnes Society play a crucial role in supporting UIM individuals, providing financial support, mentorship connections, and expanding access to opportunities 52 . The Plastic Surgery Research, Education, and Preparation Promoting Equity and Diversity program is a promising initiative, offering workshops and resources to level the playing field for UIM students about to embark in subinternships 53 . The development of a centralized database providing research and mentorship opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds and institutions is a useful strategy to facilitate equitable knowledge transmission 48 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Evolving Plastic Surgery Applicant

Hemal,

Perez-Otero,

Boyd

et al. 2024

Ann Plast Surg

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Background Plastic surgery training has undergone tremendous change and transitioned through many models over the years, including independent, combined, and integrated. This study evaluates how these changes and others have affected plastic surgery applicants' demographics and academic qualifications over the last 30 years. Methods Data on applicant demographics and academic qualifications were extracted from multiple sources including the National Resident Matching Program, the American Association of Medical Colleges, and cross-sectional surveys of plastic surgery applicants for the years 1992, 2005, 2011, and 2022. Data were compared using pairwise χ2 goodness of fit tests. Results The sex distribution of plastic surgery applicants changed significantly over the last 30 years: whereas men predominated in 1992 (86% male vs 14% female), by 2011, the distribution was nearly equal (54% male vs 46% female in both 2011 and 2022, P < 0.001). The racial makeup of applicants also changed over time (P < 0.05). White applicants decreased from 73% in 1992 to 55% in 2011, and 53% in 2022. While there was an increase in Asian (7% to > 17% to > 20%) and other (13% to > 14% to > 21%) applicants over time, whereas the proportion of Black applicants remained stagnant (5% to > 6% to > 8%). Applicants with prior general surgery experience declined precipitously over the years: 96% in 1992, 64% in 2005, 37% in 2011, and 26% in 2022 (P < 0.001). When compared with 1992, Alpha Omega Alpha status increased significantly in 2011 (36% vs 12%, P < 0.05) but did not change considerably in 2005 (22%) and 2022 (23%). Research experience increased dramatically over the years, with the proportion of applicants with at least one publication going from 43% in 1992, to 75% in 2005, to 89% in 2011, and to 99% in 2022 (P < 0.001). Applicant interest in academic plastic surgery did not change considerably over the years at roughly ranging from 30% to 50% of applicants (P = ns). Conclusions There has been a shift in the demographics and academic qualifications of plastic surgery applicants over the last 3 decades. Understanding this evolution is critical for reviewing and evaluating the makeup of our specialty, and enacting changes to increase representation where necessary.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Evolving Plastic Surgery Applicant

Hemal,

Perez-Otero,

Boyd

et al. 2024

Ann Plast Surg

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“…18 One example of a mentorship program that has been established is PREPPED, which is directed toward those who are underrepresented, come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, or do not have a home plastic surgery residency program. 19 Additionally, distance mentorship has been trialed previously, which may be able to reach those interested in plastic surgery that do not have an established network nearby. 20 National societies may also play a significant role in the promotion of underrepresented minority students.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethnic and Sex Diversity in Academic Plastic Surgery: A Cross-sectional Study

Tolson,

Raikar,

Morris

et al. 2023

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open

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Background: Ethnic, racial, and sex disparities continue to persist in medicine despite efforts to diversify the profession. In competitive surgical specialties such as plastic surgery, those disparities are particularly pronounced. This study aims to evaluate racial, ethnic, and sex diversity in academic plastic surgery. Methods: We compiled a list of major plastic surgery professional societies, plastic surgery journal editorial boards, and plastic surgery accreditation boards to evaluate ethnic and sex diversity in society, research, and accreditation domains, respectively. Demographic data were collected and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: White individuals are significantly overrepresented across the professional and research domains, and Asian individuals are overrepresented in the professional domain when compared to non-white races. White individuals make up a total of 74% of the society domain, 67% of the research domain, and 86% of the accreditation domain when compared to all non-white surgeons. Male surgeons made up 79% of the society domain, 83% of the research domain, and 77% of the accreditation domain when compared to all non-male surgeons. Conclusions: Ethnic, racial, and sex disparities persist in academic plastic surgery. This study, which looked at societies, editorial boards, and accreditation boards, demonstrated a persistent ethnic, racial, and sex homogeneity among leadership. Changes are required to continue to diversify the field and provide women and underrepresented minorities the tools needed to succeed.

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